The way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft

The nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning wants no introduction as a former prime recruit and potential generational prospect. He is performed sparingly in his teenagers at Texas, however is prone to see the sphere extra in 2025. A powerful season may create the Manning sweepstakes in 2026 if Manning opts to enter the draft.

The Titans addressed the offense this yr with Cam Ward, and will flip to protection subsequent yr. Parker has recorded 16.5 sacks over two seasons with Clemson, displaying elite pass-rushing expertise on the sting already.

A former member of the Alabama roster, Downs received a Nationwide Championship in his first season as a Buckeye. He contributes as each an elite security and punt returner, and likewise received Freshman of the Yr at Alabama in 2023.

Proctor appears to be like the a part of a bodily gifted deal with, listed at 6-foot-7, 360 kilos. He is hung out at each Alabama and Iowa, and was a prime recruit within the 2023 class.

Mauigoa already has expertise defending Cam Ward in school, displaying first-round traits with plus quickness and power. The Panthers have a veteran-laden offensive line and will look to get youthful quickly.

No matter Derek Carr’s well being and the addition of second-round decide Tyler Shough, the Saints may handle the quarterback scenario subsequent yr. Allar continues to ascend at Penn State and will go early within the first spherical. He threw to finish 66.5% of his passes for 3,327 yards and 24 touchdowns final season.

The Raiders have a stopgap at quarterback in Geno Smith, however the veteran is on a short-term deal. Sellers is a extra dynamic menace, throwing for over 2,500 yards and dashing for greater than 600 yards final season. He might be a prime Heisman candidate in 2025.

Faulk had a breakout 2024 season with seven sacks, and he has the dimensions to be a 4-3 defensive finish. The Colts workers and entrance workplace might be coming into a make-or-break season, however will want move rush assist in any case.

Iamaleava is ready to be the Bruins quarterback in 2025 after successfully holding out for NIL cash this Spring at Tennessee. That opened up a can of worms that will likely be scrutinized by NFL groups, however there isn’t any questioning his expertise. He threw for over 2,600 yards and 19 touchdowns for the Vols final season, and likewise exhibits mobility. After placing out on Deshaun Watson and drafting two mid-round quarterbacks this yr, the Browns may look towards the draft at quarterback subsequent yr.

Bain is a former prime recruit who has 11 sacks in two seasons at Miami. The Patriots have targeted on the offense over the past two offseasons, however may flip again to protection with Mike Vrabel on the helm.

Tate is the subsequent man up in what has grow to be a wideout manufacturing facility at Ohio State. He has ample dimension at 6-foot-3, and is coming off a powerful season with 52 catches for 733 yards. The Seahawks rebuilt their wideout room this offseason, but it surely stays to be seen if Cooper Kupp will likely be round for the long run.

Hill has been a do-everything linebacker for the Longhorns in his first two seasons. He completed final yr with eight sacks and 113 tackles, and would add dynamic capability to a Falcons protection that desperately wants it.

A former prime recruit, Klubnik has seen two sturdy seasons because the Tigers’ starter. He completed final yr with over 3,600 yards passing and 36 touchdowns. The Steelers have wanted a quarterback of the long run for a number of years, and the 2026 class is way richer on the place than 2025.

Perkins is beginning to achieve some accolades within the SEC, after recording 10.5 sacks and 60 tackles final season. Barely undersized, Perkins may develop into a superb NFL edge rusher.

Department has transferred from USC to Georgia, and may see extra motion in 2025. He has elite quickness as a possible slot receiver at 5-foot-10, and has recorded 78 catches in two seasons. Additionally a seasoned returner, Department may substitute the seemingly disgruntled Tyreek Hill in Miami.

Clemson has a powerful monitor file of growing defensive tackles, and Woods exhibits large upside. The 6-foot-2, 315-pound deal with confirmed move rush expertise final yr with three sacks and 28 tackles.

Perkins is seeking to rehab his draft inventory this yr after struggling a torn ACL in 2024. He had a mixed 13 sacks in his first two seasons at LSU, and might be an awesome edge rush prospect if he proves wholesome in 2025.

McCoy fared properly final season after transferring from Oregon State, with 4 picks and 44 tackles. After addressing the offense over two years, Chicago may flip again to the protection in subsequent yr’s draft.

Fano has already completed a superb job serving to anchor the Utes offensive line over two seasons. He began at left deal with as a real freshman in 2023, and exhibits elite potential.

Haynes is ready to assist the Wolverines this season after transferring from Alabama. He confirmed dynamic capability however performed sparingly final season. Minnesota might be available in the market for a younger operating again as Aaron Jones is in his 30s.

Pritchett has seen important motion for the Crimson Tide over the past two seasons, and might be set to step up in 2025. Houston has began to revamp its offensive line this offseason however may use extra work.

Adebawore has seen restricted snaps in two seasons at Oklahoma, however that might change this season. The previous prime recruit has the bodily traits to take an enormous step ahead and ultimately assist NFL groups.

Nussmeier fared properly in his first season as a starter final yr, throwing for greater than 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. A pocket passer, he might want to make strides his accuracy however may step in instantly if Matthew Stafford calls it quits following 2025.

A former member of Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan squads, Sabb proved he may produce within the SEC final season with two picks and 39 tackles in solely seven video games. He missed time with a leg damage, however may elevate his inventory this yr.

Kearney seems to be an elite inside line prospect after a powerful 2024 season. The previous prime recruit may take one other step ahead as a prospect this yr, and add to a Washington offensive line that revamped their deal with spots heading into 2025.

Chase Brown had a powerful first season as a starter for the Bengals, however they may look so as to add extra upside. Love had a terrific 2024 season with greater than 1,300 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns.

Wideout has been a spotlight of the 49ers, re-signing Brandon Aiyuk and drafting Ricky Pearsall final yr, but they may nonetheless revamp the place after buying and selling Deebo Samuel. Harbor has but to supply for the Gamecocks, however exhibits large upside at 6-foot-5 with monitor and area velocity.

Hill stuffed in properly in his first yr as a starter for the Wolverines in 2024, with 35 tackles and eight passes defensed. Detroit has been sorting via their secondary lately, and will proceed the revamp subsequent offseason.

Greene has already developed into a superb offensive line prospect at Georgia. Whereas he is performed left deal with, his lack of peak may push him inside. Buffalo has a veteran offensive line that might use extra youth subsequent offseason.

Derrick Henry cannot produce at an elite stage endlessly, and will take a look at operating again subsequent yr. Baxter is coming off a torn ACL, however had over 800 yards from scrimmage in his freshman season at Texas.

The Chiefs have drafted extraordinarily properly at defensive again, however would possibly want to deal with that space once more subsequent offseason. Kilgore has been productive in two seasons for South Carolina, together with 5 picks final yr.

The Eagles by no means met a prime edge dashing prospect they did not love, and Uigalelei exhibits large upside. He recorded 10.5 sacks in 2024 for the Geese.